Buffalo Bills News - January 23, 2001

New man on board [5:59 AM]AP reports:
'According to reports, Cottrell does have an out clause with the Jets should the Bills select him to be head coach to replace Wade Phillips, who was fired earlier this month.'

January 22, 2001

Cotrell is OUT in Washington [6:12 PM]TBD reports:
TBD was the first to break the news to you early this evening. Ted Cottrell has been eliminated from consideration for the Washington Redskins Defensive Coordinator position. Cottrell has turned down the Redskins in order to accept a position with the New York Jets, who interviewed Cottrell today. (Update) ESPN.com has now confirmed this story...

Parker can't forget Norwood's 'wide right' [6:21 AM]New York Post reports:
'"It doesn't diminish the great career he had. But as far as people's consciousness and their memory of him, that [miss] probably screwed him over. "I know I'll never forget him."'

Meet Cottrell today about defensive job [6:18 AM]Newark Star Ledger reports:
'Cottrell, a former Rutgers assistant, was said to be very impressive during his interview last week for the club's head coaching post, a job that went to Herman Edwards.'

Jets, Cottrell to meet about defensive post [6:16 AM]Bergen Record reports:
'Cottrell has interviewed for head coaching as well as coordinating positions, and an NFL source said he remains "very viable" to fill the Buffalo head-coaching vacancy.'

Scoring points with Bills' fans [6:10 AM]Business First of Buffalo reports:
'There is urgency to pull off a similar marketing coup this year. A new coach, a new general manager and the likely loss of several marquee players creates a significant challenge for those selling season tickets and luxury seating. Given the high expectations created by a decade of success, it's difficult to believe that fans will pay premium prices to see a team that is not a threat to contend.'

Donahoe holds keys to kingdom [6:09 AM]Business First of Buffalo reports:
'Has anyone else wondered if Tom Donahoe has become the son Bills' owner Ralph Wilson never had? I mean, in the course of just three weeks Donahoe got the keys to the whole franchise.'

Marketing touchdown for Jim Kelly and brother [6:07 AM]Business First of Buffalo reports:
'"One of the selling points to Michael is Jim will be his mentor, his tutor. Some say Michael isn't ready (for the NFL). Jim has already started working with him, looking at film," said Dan Kelly, who brought Vick to Buffalo to begin his preparation Jan. 17. "Having Jim tell him what we did for him, the things we provided for him, has really been helpful."'

Bills fans among NFL's best [6:06 AM]Business First of Buffalo reports:
'Green Bay is the only NFL town that's colder. Only two markets are smaller. Yet Buffalo is annually among the league's box-office leaders.'

Smith had no interest in GM job [9:02 AM]Buffalo News reports:
'With my personality and beliefs, I'm positive that the chemistry between Mr. Wilson and myself would not be conducive to winning. We would not be a match for success. . . . The people in the office that have worked with me over the years that know me well also know these words ring true."'

Ex-Bill tries again [5:56 AM]Toronto Sun reports:
'Only one former Bill has a chance for redemption a decade removed from the two words that pain Buffalo sports the most: Wide right.'

Redskins Continue Talks With Bills Assistant Cottrell [4:21 AM]Washington Post reports:
'Washington Redskins Coach Marty Schottenheimer spoke to Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell yesterday but did not complete a deal for Cottrell to become the Redskins' defensive coordinator. The two are scheduled to talk again today. Cottrell apparently can have the job to succeed Ray Rhodes if he wants it and if he and Schottenheimer are able to work out a few final details.'

Chiefs free to hire Saunders as offensive coordinator [6:45 AM]Kansas City Star reports:
'Saunders will be joined on the Chiefs' offensive staff by two of Gunther Cunningham's assistants, tight-ends coach Keith Rowen and offensive-line coach Mike Solari, and two additions from the Buffalo Bills, wide-receivers coach Charlie Joiner and running-backs coach James Saxon.'

Cottrell Is Top Choice For Redskins' Defense [6:42 AM]Washington Post reports:
'Schottenheimer said last night that if Cottrell abandons his pursuit of the Bills' head coaching position, it is possible that he could hire Cottrell by this afternoon.'

Capers goes to Texans, not Bills [6:39 AM]D and C reports:
'The job is now considered to be a two-man race between defensive coordinators Marvin Lewis of the Baltimore Ravens and John Fox of the New York Giants.'

Giants' Coordinators Have Suitors' Attention [6:36 AM]New York Times reports:
'[Donahoe] has told friends there that his choice of a new Bills coach would most likely come down to which person interviews the best and whose philosophy is closest to his.'

Bills Receive Permission to Interview Fox [6:24 AM]New York Newsday reports:
'Fox' association with Bills general manager Tom Donahoe when both worked for the Steelers a decade ago made the Bills the most logical fit for Fox.'

Billls want to talk to Fox after game [6:21 AM]New York Post reports:
'If Fox is hired by the Bills, it is possible that Jim Fassel would promote Johnnie Lynn, the defensive backs coach, to defensive coordinator. There is also a chance that Fox would ask Lynn to join him in Buffalo.'

January 19, 2001

Salary Cap Solution [3:06 PM]Shout! reports:
'Shout recently released the most detailed salary cap information you will find in print or online. The analysis was so thorough that it has inspired one subscriber to pen his own solution to the Bills salary cap woes...'

Ex-Buffalo QB guiding Vick [1:57 PM]Newport News Daily Press reports:
'He gets Jim Kelly to help him make the transition to the NFL, both on and off the field. He gets the resources of a marketing firm that handles national accounts for companies such as Motorola and Coors beer. And Dan Kelly, Jim's brother and president of the company, will assist in negotiating Vick's contract after he has been selected in the draft.'

Marvin Lewis hopes to tread same path as boss [12:47 PM]AP reports:
About becoming a head coach: "Am I encouraged? Yes, possibly," Lewis said Thursday of his prospects of moving up. "When that comes, we will look toward that. It's something I can't worry about now. Right now, I am just trying to keep my players' attention, and my attention, on the task at hand."

Capers, Texans close to finalizing deal [12:05 PM]Houston Chronicle reports:
'Capers agent, Jimmy Sexton, arrived in Houston on Thursday evening for contract negotiations. The two sides met late into the night and, barring a breakdown, an agreement could be reached as early as today. A news conference has been tentatively scheduled for Monday. He appears set to take the Texans' job without even meeting with the Bills.'